Effective today, workers’ compensation cases
tentatively identified for docketing in April 2005 are posted on our website at http://www.comp.state.nc.us.
The link to the April 2005 list of cases is located on the front page of the
website, identified as “Master List of Cases For Docketing, April 2005, by
Deputy Commissioner Section” (located below the section “Bankruptcies,
Liquidations and Rehabilitations”). Cases identified for docketing in April
2005 are posted by Region/IC
File Number, Alpha
Plaintiff and Alpha
Defendant.

Requests for continuances, removals and potential
additions are due no later than 12:00 noon, Friday, February 11, 2005. All
requests should include the reason for the request with a copy to opposing
counsel or the pro se party. If the case is still in mediation or should
be mediated, please note this fact specifically. Continuances, removals and
potential additions should be requested by email transmission to gheen@ind.commerce.state.nc.us.

Trial counsel are reminded that ANY case
anticipated to require four or more hours for hearing is considered a “special
set.” The Deputy Commissioner Section schedules “special set” cases on
individual dockets to accommodate anticipated length of hearing. Counsel should
review the cases posted and identify those cases that qualify as a “special
set.” Immediately contact my office by email, including the anticipated length
of hearing, in order to properly schedule these cases.

SPECIAL
NOTE: We strongly prefer receiving requests by email without follow
up letters. We request that the stated reasons be made briefly and
entirely within the body of the email. Sending requests as attachments
to emails are discouraged unless absolutely necessary. We appreciate the
professionalism of parties and counsel preparing formal letters and
transmitting them as attachments. However, the Industrial Commission’s
current email program makes it difficult to retransmit attachments to the
various sections when a case is removed from the master docket. Therefore, we
ask for simple email messages.

We strongly encourage trial counsel to determine
early in the process if there are cases that can be settled. Traditionally, a
number of cases are settled near the actual hearing date. An earlier
determination would assist our docket management in April 2005.